10 Things About TABC You May Not Know

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Don’t we all have a vision for a safe and healthy Texas? The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) sees this as their vision. And to serve the people of Texas and protect the public through consistent, fair, and timely administration of the Alcoholic Beverage Code.

Just to remind you. The TABC was originally created in 1935 as the state agency that regulates all phases of the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas. The duties of the TABC include regulating sales, taxation, importation, manufacturing, transporting, and advertising of alcoholic beverages.

In 2007, the TABC amended its mission to say that “The commission shall:

  • Protect public safety by deterring and detecting violations of this code;
  • Promote legal and responsible alcohol consumption;
  • Ensure fair competition within the alcoholic beverage industry;
  • Ensure consistent, predictable, and timely enforcement of this code;
  • Ensure a consistent, predictable, and timely licensing and permitting process;
  • Promote and foster voluntary compliance with this code; and
  • Communicate the requirements of this code clearly and consistently.”

    • Here are 10 things about TABC you may not know:

    1. The Prohibition era heavily influenced the policies of the TABC. Once prohibition was repealed, Texas communities reverted to their previous wet/dry status. Shortly after, the TABC was created to regulate the state’s liquor laws.
    2. The types of licenses offered by TABC will change in 2021, impacting which ones a business needs to operate. License and permit fees will also change.
    3. TABC will launch the Alcohol Industry Management System (AIMS) in 2021, a new online system that all businesses will use to apply for licenses and conduct other transactions. This page describes the onboarding process and key information for your business.
    4. A visit from TABC can be helpful for you and your business. Auditors are not only looking for violations but are also available to answer questions or discuss any issues you might be having. The Audit and Investigations Division also oversees required annual compliance reporting and maintains the delinquent list related to cash and credit laws for businesses in the alcoholic beverage industry.
    5. TABC’s regulatory compliance officers protect public safety and work with travelers who bring alcohol and cigarettes into Texas. The officers in the agency’s Ports of Entry division monitor 28 Texas-Mexico border crossings and two terminals at the Galveston Seaport. Their duties include:
      • Ensuring people who are importing these products follow all legal restrictions.
      • Preventing dangerous products from entering the U.S. while keeping alcohol out of minors’ hands.
      • Collecting taxes and fees that go into the state’s General Revenue Fund
      • Make sure you know the rules and restrictions before bringing alcohol or cigarettes into Texas
    6. You can have TABC access at your fingertips with the TABC: Mobile app. It provides a way for businesses and the public to use our services and get the latest agency news. Find it on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
      On the app, you can:
      • Securely report a violation you see at a licensed location or file a complaint about a TABC employee or certification school
      • File an official breach of the peace report if you’re a license or permit holder
      • Search for and map out businesses with a TABC license or permit
      • See a business’ location, contact information, license/permit status, and any past violations
      • See pending and recently approved licenses and permits in an area
    7. Alcohol Marketing Guidelines TABC’s Marketing Practices team helps enforce the laws for marketing alcoholic beverages and marketing relationships between the industry’s three tiers: manufacturers, wholesale/distributors, and alcohol retailers. These laws also cover product advertising, labeling, and bottling. We release marketing practices guidance for the alcoholic beverage industry so that the law is interpreted and applied consistently across the state. These advisories reflect our staff’s opinions on questions we receive. We review these opinions and issue new advisories when statutes, situations, and industry trends change.
    8. TABC’s law enforcement efforts focus on high-risk locations, meaning we more frequently inspect TABC-licensed or permitted businesses with a recent history of public safety violations. Businesses with a history of violations go on the agency’s Priority List. Types of violations include:
      • Serving anyone under 21
      • Over serving alcohol
      • Selling alcohol during prohibited hours
      • Illegal drug activity
      • Breaches of the peace, such as fighting
      • Suspected human trafficking
    9. TABC’s Enforcement agents also monitor special events where alcohol is served or sold. These include music festivals, fairs, sports events, large-scale celebrations, and more.
    10. Disaster Help Agents assist local communities during times of disaster. TABC is proud to support Texas communities by responding to natural or man-made disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, or wildfires.

    If you would like to be TABC certified register for our online TABC course today! We look forward to you joining the team!